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March 26th

WHAT RULES YOUR RULING REASON?

“How does your ruling reason manage itself? For in that is the key

to everything. Whatever else remains, be it in the power of your

choice or not, is but a corpse and smoke.”

—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 12.33

he Roman satirist Juvenal is famous for this question: Quis custodiet
ipsos custodes? (Who watches the watchmen?) In a way, this is what
Marcus is asking himself—and what you might ask yourself throughout the
day. What influences the ruling reason that guides your life?
This means an exploration of subjects like evolutionary biology,
psychology, neurology, and even the subconscious. Because these deeper
forces shape even the most disciplined, rational minds. You can be the most
patient person in the world, but if science shows we make poor decisions on
an empty stomach—what good is all that patience?
So don’t stop at Stoicism, but explore the forces that drive and make
Stoicism possible. Learn what underpins this philosophy you’re studying,
how the body and mind tick. Understand not only your ruling reason—the
watchmen—but whoever and whatever rules that too.